Abstract: A lead and tethering device 10 or 50 including a pair of connected looped straps, one serving as the connecting strap 12 to which an animal or child being tethered is connected, and the other a holding strap 14 which the user grips. A spacer element 22 at the looped end of the connecting strap inhibits this looped end from completely collapsing upon itself when subjected to tension. At the other end of the connecting strap is a clasp member 20 that preferably swivels and is adapted to be attached and detached to an animal or child being tethered. One or more D rings 17, 32, and 54 are disposed along the length of the device. The holding strap 14 is elongated and has one end connected directly to the connecting strap, or to an intermediate looped strap 52, and a remote end to which another clasp 33 is connected. This second clasp 33 is adapted to be attached and detached to one of the rings 17, 32, and 54, forming a looped strap when attached to one of these rings.